Chez Marydidou : Chambres d'hôtes

It's a quiet spot near Istres, with several towns close by, and the owners are available to offer their opinions. Breakfast was good, especially the range of jams. The garden has a swimming pool. My only complaint was that the croissants came pre-packaged.

Breakfast was very generous, and the lovely garden was peaceful and quiet. The hosts were attentive to everyone, including the animals, and the whole family was very happy with the stay. Maryse and Didier were warm and welcoming, with great advice about places to visit around the region. Their availability and service were excellent. We'd highly recommend them, especially for families.

We had a stay that felt exceptional from a human point of view, and I'd recommend this place to a family or a couple wanting to relax. A group of young people looking to party probably wouldn't find it suitable. I came with my family of five at the end of July 2021, when the weather back home wasn't great, and we stayed at this guesthouse in Entresenn, in the Bouches-du-Rhône department (13). The hosts were the highlight. They were welcoming, engaging, and clearly passionate about what they do. They were flexible about breakfast time, and served a generous French-style spread with croissants, pain au chocolat, coffee or cocoa, and homemade jam. They also offered friendly aperitifs and took time to explain local leisure activities, restaurants, and other attractions. It's a very peaceful, pleasant setting if you're looking to get away from everything. The pool is large, deep, and quite warm, with access 24/7 as long as guests keep quiet after 10 pm. There's an outdoor shower, a table for guests, and a summer lounge beside the pool. Meals are offered at lunch and in the evening, with hearty, tasty food. The apartments are set up for four but can sleep five, though that makes things a little less comfortable. The bedrooms are spacious and practical, and pets of all kinds are welcome, from parrots to large dogs. They also have fiber optic internet, which is handy if you work remotely. I did notice a few small issues. The room was large but seemed a bit patched up and sometimes dusty. There was an odor from somewhere I couldn't locate, even after cleaning, though it wasn't there when we arrived, so maybe it was on us. The bathroom is cramped, and the sliding door only closes about five-sixths of the way, so there's not much privacy. A few leaves get into the pool, leaving it a bit cluttered in the morning, though Didier works tirelessly to keep the grounds up. I really had to look for things to complain about.

The hosts were pleasant, attentive, and quick to sort out any issues. It's well placed for visiting the castle and the Carrières de Lumières in Baux.